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Choosing the right keyboard is essential to a productive workflow, and we’ve tested quite a few here at AppleInsider. Here are our top picks for the best wireless keyboards for Mac users.
A keyboard is only perfect in relation to the user’s needs. Some prefer wireless keyboards, while others must have them wired. Some resolutely swear by mechanical keyboards, while others like to use chiclet keyboards.
Whatever your preference, all of the keyboards on our list are compatible with Macs and work really well with them. These keyboards have all been tested by members of our team, and here’s what you need to know about them.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
The best choice for a wireless keyboard is the one made by Apple. The Magic Keyboard isn’t perfect for everyone depending on your needs, but it’s one of the best on the market for Mac users.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
For users who hate entering a password to unlock their Mac, the Touch ID functionality on the Magic Keyboard is the most sought after feature. As of now, no third-party keyboards have Touch ID capabilities, so if having this feature is a must-have for you, then this is the keyboard for you.
When shopping for a Magic Keyboard, keep in mind that there is a difference between the Touch ID key and the lock key. With the Touch ID key, you can unlock your Mac with a fingerprint and make purchases with it Apple Payand sign in to third-party apps. The lock key allows you to lock your Mac, but you still need to enter your password to unlock it.
Download the keyboard with Touch ID Key and not Lock Key
The Magic Keyboard fits seamlessly with your Mac and is available with black or white keys. This chiclet keyboard is flat and not particularly ergonomic for heavy data entry typing.
A common concern for buyers considering this keyboard is the price tag, but you can always snag a deal if you stay vigilant. Another option is to use Apple credit for this if you’re selling an old device back to Apple, but you may already have plans for the Apple credit for another product you’ve been looking for.
Logitech MX keys
Logitech MX Keys often come up in conversation when we talk about Apple’s Magic Keyboard alternatives. It is not for nothing that this well-known brand has managed to get its hands on a Mac-compatible wireless keyboard with a noticeably lower price tag.
Logitech MX keys
We liked that Logitech MX keys is multi-device and multi-iOSand you can program it to work with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android systems. There are built-in buttons on the keyboard for easy device switching, and you can connect up to three devices.
Logitech MX Keys has an internal battery that can be charged with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, so you’ll need an adapter if you’re using a modern Mac. Logitech claims a full charge can last up to 10 days or up to five months with the backlight turned off.
This keyboard also comes with responsive and adjustable backlighting that some users love while others find annoying. The backlight has built-in sensors that turn on when it detects movement of your fingers.
We liked its sleek build and tactile keys. The Bluetooth connection was smooth and reliable once it was set up, but you need to take a few steps to set it up with a MacStudiowhich we explained in our full review.
Slim and made of aluminum, this chiclet keyboard feels premium, especially for the price.
Logitech MX keys with a numeric keypad retail for $119.99 from Logitech. Get it at a slight discount for $114.99 from Amazon.
Satechi X3 Slim
If you’re not a fan of mechanical keyboards, the Satechi X3 Slim is a chiclet style keyboard to consider as an alternative. This keyboard lacks Touch ID, yet it’s still optimized for Macs at a much lower price.
Satechi X3 Slim
The Satechi X3 Slim has built-in macOS function keys to adjust screen brightness, mute/unmute during FaceTime call and more. This keyboard is for Apple devices, so you may experience issues with some functions when using it on a Windows system.
The keyboard automatically goes into sleep mode to save battery after 30 minutes of inactivity. The Satechi X3 Slim’s internal battery is rechargeable via a USB-C cable that comes in the box.
You can connect up to four devices wirelessly via Bluetooth and switch between devices using the four buttons above the numeric keypad. You can, for example, link this to the latest MacBook Pro or a iPad.
The Satechi X3 Slim is a minimalist keyboard that leaves a light footprint on your desk, but this budget keyboard still has a numeric keypad and adjustable backlit keys.
Keychron Q8
Keychron Q8 is another Keychron that we tested and liked. Keychron Q8 is a wired mechanical keyboard with an Alice layout for ergonomic typing.
Keychron Q8
Typists who enter heavy data are familiar with the Alice layout, also known as the split keyboard layout. This ergonomic layout divides the keyboard into two angled halves to reduce strain on a typist’s wrists and forearms.
This layout requires some adjustment, but it helps protect against carpal tunnel when typing for extended periods. For a keyboard with a supposedly ergonomic design, it is surprising that there is no option to adjust the Keychron Q8 in height.
This durable all-metal keyboard features a double gasket design and button option. The double-gasket design includes silicone pads between the top and bottom of the case to reduce typing noise while maintaining gasket flexibility.
There is a button on the back to switch between macOS or Windows systems, which is useful for users who need both operating systems. You can also save the two keyboard layouts, one for macOS and one for Windows.
If you choose the keyboard with a programmable button, you can customize your keys and macros on the button through the VIA software. You can customize your desired keys or macro commands such as zoom in or out, brush size or select video clips.
It comes with a USB-C charging cable and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. The switches are mounted in hot-swappable sockets on the circuit board, so if you want to customize the keys, you can do so without soldering.
The keyboard includes a switch trigger, a key cap puller, a screwdriver, and an Allen wrench. In the box you will also find extra gaskets, screws and feet.
Keychron Q8 keyboard prices start at $175, and you can shop right away from Keychron.
Nuphy Halo65
The Nuphy Halo65 is a wireless mechanical keyboard that is comfortable to use and comes with multiple customization options for the backlit keys. We liked that the keys bounced well when typing and that Bluetooth was easy to set up and stable once connected.
Nuphy Halo65
This keyboard comes with seven switches and 17 extra keycaps to customize your keyboard or keep it as a replacement. You also get a keycap/switch puller to turn the keys on or off for easy installation.
The keyboard has adjustable backlighting and you can adjust the color and lighting effects to your heart’s content. You can easily adjust the backlight by holding down the Fn key and an arrow key to change the color, brightness, effect and speed. You also have the option of purchasing ABS light transmitter keycaps for further customization. This keyboard is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android or iOS and can connect up to four devices.
Customizing the Nuphy Halo65
Nuphy Halo65 has a battery capacity of 4000 mAh. Nuphy claims the battery will last 48 hours with all lights on or 240 hours with all lights off. This keyboard uses a USB-C to USB-A charging cable to charge the keyboard.
We wish it included a wrist rest for improved ergonomics, especially at this price point. Although wireless, this hefty keyboard is best for a stationary workstation rather than on the go.
The Nuphy Halo65 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard varies in price depending on your choice of color switches and can be purchased for $119.95 from Nuphy or $139.99 from Amazon.
Keychron Q1 Pro
Keychron Q1 Pro is another Keychron keyboard for Mac, but it has the combined functionalities that current users already know and love. The Keychron Q1 Pro Keyboard is mechanical, all metal, has a rotary knob and is wireless.
Keychron Q1 Pro
Keychron Q1 Pro is a brand new model that follows Keychron’s typical Kickstarter release method and is available for pre-order. This project is already fully funded.
We liked that the Keychron Q1 Pro includes Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1, everything is built-in and wireless, and we can switch between wired and wireless modes.
Once connected, we experienced no lag when using Bluetooth wirelessly. The Q1 Pro has a 4000mAh battery and Keychron claims it can last up to 300 hours without a backlight.
Keychron Q1 Pro can connect up to three devices and works with Mac, Windows and Linux computers. For example, you can use the button in the top right corner of the keyboard to zoom in and out or select photos.
Keychron Q1 Pro with a button
This keyboard has a polling rate of 1000 Hz when using a USB-C cable in wired mode or a polling rate of 90 Hz in wireless mode. It uses KSA double-shot PBT keycaps and comes with Keychron K Pro mechanical switch.
Like the other Keychron keyboards on this list, we liked the customization options, and you can customize every key and macro via QMK/VIA. The switches are hot-swappable for those who want to customize their keyboard by replacing keycaps and switches.